Here’s Why Harry and Meghan May Soon Be Leaving Kensington Palace

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, may soon be leaving the grounds of Kensington Palace. Recently, there have been reports that other senior royals are refusing to give up their apartments at Kensington Palace to make room for the expectant parents—who will have outgrown their two-bedroom residence, Nottingham Cottage, when Baby Sussex arrives in spring of next year.

Several months, ago reports surfaced that the couple would be moving into a 21-room apartment at Kensington Palace, which would make them neighbors of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who live with their three children in a lavish 20-room apartment in the grounds.

In order to renovate the space to make room for Meghan and Harry, some longtime residents would have to give up their apartments. The rooms in question are currently occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are reportedly refusing to leave. It had been reported that Queen Elizabeth’s cousin and his wife would move out of the 21-room Apartment 1, but that now seems to be up for discussion.

But there’s another reason Meghan and Harry may opt to leave, according to my royal sources. “With their first child on the way, they need and want more space, but they don’t want to live next door to William and Catherine. It’s a bit too close for comfort.”

Says the insider, “They are planning on having separate offices and separate agendas. William and Catherine’s life is going in a different direction than Harry and Meghan’s. The royals know it, and they both want to make sure they aren’t thought of as a package deal.”

Another option the couple is reportedly considering is York Cottage. Earlier this year, the Queen reportedly gifted the newlyweds with the sprawling home in Sandringham amid reports Harry and Meghan wanted to raise their child away from the spotlight in London. (William and Kate spent an extended period living in their country home, Anmer Hall, until Prince George started kindergarten.)